Fashion Tech: AI Design, Fit Tech and Virtual Try-On — 2026-10-28
The fashion industry is rapidly adopting AI-driven solutions to address two critical pain points: the high cost of traditional photoshoots and the financial burden of online returns. Recent weeks have seen major retailers like The Outnet and Apparel Group launch advanced virtual try-on and AI shopping platforms, while a growing backlash against AI-generated models threatens to displace human workers.
Fashion Tech: AI Design, Fit Tech and Virtual Try-On — 2026-10-28
Top developments
CATCHES Launches PredictiveFit with The Outnet
Deterministic AI company CATCHES officially opened its sizing technology to retailers, launching "PredictiveFit" on luxury e-commerce platform The Outnet. This move follows successful pilots where CATCHES' RealFit technology lifted online conversion by 55% for brand AMIRI. The partnership aims to reduce returns by providing more accurate fit predictions for shoppers.
Apparel Group Unveils "AIVI" AI Shopping App
In a major move for the GCC market, Apparel Group launched "AIVI," an AI-powered shopping application designed to transform the customer experience. The platform was introduced at a star-studded event attended by over 2,000 guests, signaling a significant investment in AI-driven retail infrastructure in the Middle East.
Backlash Against AI-Generated Models Intensifies
A wave of criticism has emerged regarding the use of AI-generated models in fashion imagery, with reports indicating that brands are cutting production costs by over 90% by replacing human models with digital clones. Industry experts warn that without regulation, this trend could lead to widespread job losses and ethical concerns regarding consent and image rights.
ChatGPT Virtual Try-On Expands to India
OpenAI is expanding the reach of its ChatGPT virtual try-on feature, specifically targeting Indian shoppers during the festive season. The feature allows users to upload photos to virtually try on clothing, with guidance provided by OpenAI’s Aarush Selvan on how to utilize the tool for festive wear and everyday purchases.
Local view
Japan: ZOZO NEXT and DFKI Automate Research Japanese tech giant ZOZO is deepening its AI capabilities through a new collaboration with the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). The joint research aims to automate various stages of the R&D process, from literature review to paper writing, using AI. This follows ZOZO’s recent launch of "Niauroom" in its WEAR app, which uses proprietary data and AI to suggest "flattering" outfits and virtual try-ons.
China: AI Styling Trends During Double 11 Chinese media reports highlight the surge in AI styling recommendations during the Double 11 shopping festival. While consumers are embracing AI-generated outfit suggestions, retailers are expressing concern over high return rates associated with these virtual fittings, noting a disconnect between AI-generated visuals and actual garment fit.
Context & numbers
- Cost Reduction: Brands using AI-generated models report cutting production costs by more than 90% compared to traditional photoshoots with human models.
- Conversion Lift: CATCHES reported a 55% increase in online conversion for AMIRI prior to the PredictiveFit launch.
- Market Size: The global fashion B2B e-commerce market is projected to exceed $3.2 trillion in 2026, with China playing a central role in this digital transformation.
On the radar
- ZOZO NEXT & AVITA Joint Research: A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed for joint research on clothing designed specifically for humanoid robots, with detailed studies expected to begin in January 2027.
- Digital Fashion Education: In Japan, the Bunka Fashion College has launched the third term of its "Digital Fashion Program," supported by GeekOut, to train talent in creating digital fashion assets for platforms like Roblox.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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